17:40A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion of a proposed $150,000 settlement in response to a police-related claim. A legal representative affirmed their readiness to provide additional information to commissioners individually.

13:18In tandem with legal discussions, the Commission examined advancements in public safety and technology, notably through a grant application to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for a drone replacement program. This initiative aims to replace existing drones, which are not compliant with updated state laws, thus ensuring the city maintains modern, lawful equipment for its operations. The drones, initially used for social media purposes, are over five years old, and the grant would fully reimburse the city for the replacement costs.

Further emphasizing public safety, the Commission approved a resolution to negotiate with top bidders for a public art master plan and ratified the city’s application for a $100,000 grant to fund a second victim advocate position. This grant aims to bolster support for crisis and domestic violence victims.

20:41The meeting also delved into infrastructure projects, including a proposed sole source agreement with CROM Codings and Restorations for the inspection and repair of drinking water and storage tanks, with a budget not exceeding $350,000 annually. This agreement is important for maintaining the integrity of the water treatment facilities. Additionally, a re-roofing, waterproofing, and painting project for Fire Station 5 was approved, with a budget cap of $449,000 already accounted for in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

Amendments to the state revolving loan fund for the design of a treatment plant were also discussed, with an additional $232,821 requested to meet the project’s total funding needs, alongside a one-year extension for its initial phase.

27:10In legislative matters, the Commission reviewed a plan, selecting Chen Moore and Associates to initiate the planning process. Discussions included amendments to public art regulations. The meeting also addressed the repeal of an ordinance related to conversion therapy, ruled unconstitutional by the 11th Circuit Court, as part of broader efforts to update and correct municipal laws.